Gilgandra Show back in 2021

The excitement could be felt throughout the entire community, and the numbers were there to prove it, with a roughly 25-50 percent increase of patrons from 2019.

Overall, the number of entrants were up, and the level of craftmanship and attention to detail put into each and every piece of work entered, blew out-of-towners away. Clearly, everybody had been keeping busy perfecting their skills during lockdown last year.

All the usual displays and animals packed the pavilions, while a walk around the showground offered showgoers a number of market stalls, food and entertainment. New buildings such as the luncheon pavilion were also in use for the first time at the show, since being constructed during the past year.

Kate Banks was named Gilgandra’s 2021 Showgirl, with entrant Montanna McGrath runner-up. Miss Banks, a local fashion designer, blew judges away with her passion for supporting local, and keeping things home grown.

“I spoke a lot about the importance of bringing independence and self-sufficiency back to Australia - like readily available Australian made work wear that is reasonably priced and built to last.

“As well, ­­­­­­I spoke about the role local shows play in the community, such as improving knowledge of local farming industries and giving the town a great chance to come together and showcase everything that’s good about the Gilgandra region. It’s not every day you’re given the opportunity to be an ambassador for such a great show, with so many people and businesses who work so hard behind the scenes to put on such a great event every year. It’s an honour,” said Miss Banks.

The show’s finale entertainment, the Outback Thunda Monster Truck, came all the way from Queensland, clocking in at over 15,000 horsepower.

However, Gilgandra’s very own lawn mower champion sure did give the truck a run for its money. Outback Thunda truck and the comedy car, Tipsy, was a crowd favourite, along side KC’s firework displays to compliment the vehicles daredevil acts. In yet another first for the show, the firework display was brought to the show by Ryan Mason fireworks, locals from Warren, with wife Emma originally a Gilgandra girl.